Brazil has secured its first-ever Oscar in the Best International Film category with I’m Still Here, a poignant story that explores the painful history of a family during the country’s military dictatorship.
The film, directed by Walter Salles, chronicles the struggle of Eunice Paiva, a resilient wife fighting to uncover the fate of her disappeared husband, Rubens Paiva, a former lawmaker kidnapped by military agents in 1971.
I’m Still Here has captivated audiences worldwide, drawing over four million viewers in Brazilian cinemas and earning critical acclaim, including Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival.
Actress Fernanda Torres was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars for her portrayal of Eunice Paiva, and her performance helped the film gain global attention.
In his Oscar acceptance speech, Salles dedicated the award to Eunice, saying, “This prize goes to her. Her name is Eunice Paiva.”
The film’s impact has extended beyond cinema, sparking national debates about Brazil’s amnesty law, which shielded perpetrators of dictatorship-era crimes from punishment.
The film’s success, particularly in light of recent political tensions in Brazil, has led to a renewed reflection on the country’s past and its present political landscape. The Supreme Court even reopened the case of Rubens Paiva’s disappearance following the film’s popularity.
Salles expressed that while the film was intended to look back and understand Brazil’s history, it took on added significance given the rise of far-right politics in the country, especially during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro.
The film has sparked important discussions about Brazil’s political climate, drawing support across the political spectrum.
The movie’s title, I’m Still Here, was even quoted by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a speech marking the anniversary of the January 2023 attacks on government buildings by Bolsonaro supporters.
Despite some calls for a boycott from Bolsonaro supporters, the film’s success has become a symbol of resilience, not just for the Paiva family but for Brazilian democracy itself.
